FEAST OF RUGBY FOR NEW GENERATION OF STARS

Since the tournament was launched in Easter 1999, Wales, represented by the Welsh Youth have, up to and including the 2004 tournament, won 15 games and drawn three times in six years of competition. With the reorganisation of junior rugby in Wales at the start of this season, the task of defending such a marvellous record falls on the shoulders of the Wales Under 18 (Jan 1) Group, under new coach Kevin George.

He follows the two coaches who guided Wales to six titles - Denley Isaac and Ray Giles - and is hopeful of seeing Wales continue to lead the way against the other three home nations.

"We were much encouraged by the 37-16 warm-up win over Italy, but realise that the other countries are all determined to take away the Welsh record in the tournament." says George. "But we are lucky that the new Under 18 WRU Reebok Regional Championships have produced high-tempo games and been an invaluable help in identifying all the great talent that Wales have always had, but sometimes failed to appreciate."

England have also made their Jan 1 side, rather than the Sep 1 side, the flagship for Under 18 rugby, and have been planning meticulously, with games against Bristol and Harlequins Academy XVs. They will have Alex Tait, brother of recent full England cap Matthew Tait at fullback and Ollie Dodge, son of former England centre Paul Dodge, in the threequarter line and will travel to the Principality in optimistic mood. Both Wales Under 18 squads met England Under 18 sides last Sunday in preparation for the tournament. In the game against England Under 18 (Jan 1), Wales romped home to a 39-17 victory, with centre Ashley Smith helping himself to two of his side's six tries, while the other scorers were Lloyd Phillips of the Scarlets, James Lewis and Neil Williams of the Dragons, and Blues hooker Mark Jones, with outside-half Rhys Jones scoring three conversions and a penalty.

The Sep 1 side went down 25-15, having led 10-0 within the first 15 minutes, with centre Jonathan Davies touching down and fly-half Ryan Priestfield adding a conversion and a penalty. Wales can look back proudly at their record over the years. Recently capped Welsh senior internationals had their first real taste of intensive, high-level competition at the Four Nations. In the 1999 squad, Andy Williams (Bath), Ryan Jones (Ospreys) and Paul James (Ospreys) made telling contributions, and in 2000, three Ospreys - James again, Jonathan Thomas and a certain Gavin Henson - were very influential in another unbeaten campaign.

Henson had an outstanding tournament, scoring 41 points in the three games and all the Welsh points - five penalties and two drop goals - in the 21-18 win over England. In 2001, there were eye-catching performances from Ospreys pair Richie Pugh and Matthew Jones, who are surely in Mike Ruddock's future plans. Fans have a real treat in store over six days between March 26 and April 1.

Wales reached their first semi-final since 2013 in the opening round of this season's HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in Dubai. WRU TV's Graeme Gillespie recaps on what proved to be an eventful tournament

Wales and Ospreys back row James King, who came through the North Wales age grade system, nominated North Wales Regional Community Rugby Manager Marc Roberts, in the WRU's 'Diolch' initiative where squad players thanked those who played a part in their rise to the top.

Beating Merthyr has boosted Carmarthen Quins hopes of reaching a top eight spot in the Principality Premiership. Quins captain Haydn Pugh is delighted with his team's progress and is determined that everyone from the Under 6s through to the senior team, enjoys the ride.

When the Wales squad were asked to nominate individuals who played a big part in their early playing days, Wales and Dragons full back and wing Hallam Amos thought of his former Monmouth School rugby coach John Bevan.

Sam Cross and Luke Treharne have been named as co-captains of the Wales Sevens side as head coach Gareth Williams names his 12-man squad to play in the first leg of the HSBC World Series in Dubai next weekend.

Bedwas head coach Steve Law and players Nicky Griffiths and Alun Rees extol the virtues of the close knit club as they prepare to host third place RGC 1404 - who are one place head of them on the Principality Premiership points table - on Saturday.

Many of the Wales squad have said Diolch (thank you) to someone who played an important part in their early playing days by nominating them to be invited to the Wales v South Africa match. One person, Gowerton Comprehensive geography teacher Mr Dean Mason was nominated by two of his former pupils, Dan Biggar and Sam Davies.

The second WRU disability rugby pilot has been delivered, this time in Caerphilly schools, culminating in a festival at the Caerphilly Centre of Sporting Excellence, Ystrad Mynach tomorrow. Plans are in place to set up a Disability Rugby Club in Newbridge to provide long-term playing opportunities.

WRU TV: Hear from inside the Wales camp as Neil Jenkins discusses this weekend's clash with South Africa and how the squad are looking to put in a strong performance to round of the 2016 Under Armour Series